Interactive Personality Theory

Human personality and its development is a complex and multifaceted concept. Its definition depends on who is describing what makes people behave and what it consists of. Personality differs from individual to individual. My personal theory of personality is called Interactive Personality Theory and it encompasses four factors that interact with each other over an individual’s life time to create a flexible and adaptable personality. The basis of personality is the first factor of genetics or heredity on which the rest of the personality interacts with and builds upon. The second factor of personality is attachment to people especially to the primary caregiver at the start of life. The third interactive factor of personality is the effect of environmental and social influences on the expression of personality. Lastly, the fourth factor of personality is the ability over time to positively change ones personality and self-concept, to experience growth in personality.

Although personality is a complex and interactive system it does have a foundational base. The basis of every individual’s personality is genetics or their heredity. The DNA they acquire from both of their parents at conception is the building block on which personality is built. The DNA that makes up each person’s physical and mental makeup is not randomly selected through the physical act of conception. The Bible states that, “for Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13 New American Standard Bible). DNA allows for individuals to have unique personalities and that’s the way it was intended to be. Heredity accounts for the stable portions of people’s personality throughout their lives as well as for different temperame...

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...lso allows for the continual overall growth and adjustment of personality over a human’s lifetime. This theory offers an optimistic approach that does not doom personality to any single factor or influence.

Works Cited

Feist, J., Feist, G. J., & Roberts, T. (2013).Theories of personality (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Lester, D., Hvezda, J., Sullivan, S., & Plourde, R. (1983). Maslow's hierarchy of needs and psychological health. Journal of General Psychology, 109(1), 83

Hankin, B. L. (2005). Childhood maltreatment and psychopathology: Prospective tests of attachment, cognitive vulnerability, and stress as mediating processes. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 29(6), 645-671.

Zodhiates, S. (1990). The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible: New American Standard, Zodhiates' original and complete system of Bible study (Red letter ed.). Chattanooga, Tenn.: AMG Publishers.